By: Kristina M. Launey and Catherine Feldman

Seyfarth Synopsis:  With Governor Newsom’s October 13 deadline to sign bills behind us, we review California’s new employment laws. The most notable among them are new pay equity requirements, amendments to Cal-WARN and leave laws, and extensions of meal and rest period exemptions for certain industries.

According to Chris Micheli, Governor Newsom…

Continue Reading California 2025 Bill Signing Wrap Up: New Employment Laws

Seyfarth Synopsis: The California Legislature concluded its 2024-2025 session in the wee hours of September 13, 2025, and sent the last of its approved bills to Governor Newsom for consideration. The Governor has until October 13 to approve or veto a variety of bills impacting employers in California.

The California Legislature put pencils down on September 13, 2025, and sent…

Continue Reading California Legislative Update: Legislature’s Pens Down, Governor Gets to Work

Seyfarth Synopsis: August 31 was the California Legislature’s last day to send bills to Governor Brown for his approval or veto by his September 30 deadline. Chief among them are bills addressing sexual harassment.

2018, the year of #MeToo, saw California Senators and Assembly Members introduce numerous bills on sexual harassment-prevention, often followed by their colleagues’ response of “me…
Continue Reading California Legislative Update: Sexual Harassment, Other Bills Await Governor’s Signature

Seyfarth Synopsis: On November 8, 2016, San Jose voters approved the most recent local effort to dictate employment scheduling practices. Beginning in March 2017, San Jose employers must offer existing part-time employees additional work hours before hiring any temporary, part-time, or new worker. Violations of the ordinance can trigger city fines and private law suits.

Temporary, part-time, and…
Continue Reading San Jose’s Opportunity to Work Ordinance: New Peculiarity for Employers